Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Billings, MT.
To run a vendor market in Billings, an organizer files a Special Event and Right of Way Permit application with Public Works Engineering at least 60 days ahead. Every vendor needs a City of Billings business license, Montana has no general sales tax, and food booths need a temporary food service license from RiverStone Health.
Not shown, based on your answers: food vendors. See everything for Billings.
Event permit.
Special Event and Right of Way Permit
Completed application packets are turned in at the Public Works Engineering office for approval and processing. Ask the office whether a private-property market needs the permit.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Billings Public Works, Engineering Division
- When
- Events needing a Special Event and Right of Way permit; block parties use a separate process. The page does not list size or location thresholds.
- Fee
- $100 filing fee
- Timing
- Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event
Vendor and business licenses.
City of Billings business license
Billings requires a license before business begins, with an annual tax paid per business and location. Operating without one can bring penalties and citations. A temporary license receipt is issued once the application and payment are complete. The page states no one-day or event rate.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Billings Finance Department
- When
- Anyone conducting business in Billings, even if based outside the city or licensed by another city
Sales tax.
No general state sales tax
The Department of Revenue states that Montana does not have a general-use sales tax, so there is no state sales tax permit for market vendors. A local resort tax of up to 3% applies in designated resort areas to lodging, restaurants, bars and certain recreational facilities.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Montana Department of Revenue
- When
- Selling goods at a market or event in Montana
When to apply.
- Special Event and Right of Way Permit: Turn in the packet at least 60 days before the event
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-11. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Public Works Engineering: 406-657-8231. Full page and sources for Billings.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
Permits sorted? Run the event on bzar.
Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.